Riky Rick, born Rikhado Makhado, was one of the most influential figures in South African hip-hop and a pioneer of the “new wave” of artists that shaped the sound of contemporary African rap. His infectious energy, groundbreaking fashion sense, and willingness to experiment with new sounds made him a trailblazer in the music industry. Despite his untimely passing in 2022, Riky Rick’s legacy continues to live on through his music. Here’s a look at the top 10 Riky Rick songs of all time, showcasing his incredible contribution to South African music and culture.
1. “Boss Zonke”
“Boss Zonke” is perhaps Riky Rick’s most iconic track and the song that truly catapulted him into the mainstream. The song’s infectious beat, catchy chorus, and confident lyrics made it an anthem in South African hip-hop. With this track, Riky Rick not only demonstrated his ability to create a smash hit but also solidified his position as one of the key figures in Mzansi’s music scene. The song’s success helped shape the trajectory of his career and remains a fan favorite to this day.
2. “Sidlukotini”
“Sidlukotini” is another major hit that showcases Riky Rick’s unparalleled swagger and unique style. The song, whose title translates to “we’re eating cotton” (a reference to high fashion), became a cultural phenomenon. Riky’s love for fashion and his stylish persona shine through in this track, making it a defining song of his career. Its vibrant production, sharp lyrics, and undeniable appeal in both the music and fashion worlds helped solidify Riky’s legacy as a tastemaker and influencer.
3. “Nafukwa”
“Nafukwa” was one of Riky Rick’s early hits and helped establish his name in the hip-hop scene. The song’s raw energy, aggressive delivery, and hard-hitting beat made it an instant favorite among hip-hop fans. “Nafukwa” was a statement of intent, with Riky asserting his dominance in the rap game. It’s one of his most powerful tracks, filled with bold lyricism and unfiltered expression, proving that Riky was unafraid to push boundaries.
4. “Stay Shining” feat. Cassper Nyovest, Professor & Major League DJz
“Stay Shining” is an uplifting anthem that features some of South Africa’s biggest artists. The track is a celebration of success and positive energy, with Riky Rick’s catchy hook serving as a reminder to “keep shining” despite life’s challenges. The song’s vibrant production, paired with its motivational message, made it a radio favorite and an anthem for those striving to achieve their dreams. “Stay Shining” showcases Riky’s ability to create feel-good music that resonates with fans.
5. “Amantombazane” feat. Okmalumkoolkat
“Amantombazane” is a standout collaboration between Riky Rick and fellow South African rapper Okmalumkoolkat. The song became a massive hit thanks to its catchy hook and playful lyrics, celebrating women in a lighthearted way. “Amantombazane” was not only a club banger but also a representation of the fun and carefree spirit that Riky brought to his music. The song’s success led to a remix featuring an all-star lineup, further cementing its status as one of Riky Rick’s greatest hits.
6. “You and I” feat. Mlindo The Vocalist
“You and I” is a deeply emotional track in which Riky Rick explores love, relationships, and vulnerability. Featuring Mlindo The Vocalist, the song highlights Riky’s versatility as an artist, as he moves away from the hard-hitting rap beats to a more soulful, introspective sound. “You and I” resonated with fans due to its heartfelt lyrics and touching themes, showing that Riky was more than just a rapper—he was an artist unafraid to explore his emotional depth.
7. “Murdah” feat. Davido & Gemini Major
“Murdah” is a collaboration with Nigerian superstar Davido and South African producer Gemini Major. The song blends Afrobeat influences with Riky Rick’s signature style, resulting in a smooth, infectious track that was loved by fans across Africa. The track’s upbeat tempo and global sound made it a standout hit, reflecting Riky Rick’s ability to bridge the gap between African hip-hop and international music scenes.
8. “Ungazincishi” feat. Focalistic & Tyler ICU
“Ungazincishi” became one of the biggest anthems of the Amapiano movement, which has taken the South African music scene by storm. Featuring Focalistic and Tyler ICU, the song is a perfect blend of hip-hop and Amapiano, with a laid-back beat and a catchy hook that had fans singing along. Riky Rick’s presence on this track demonstrated his ability to adapt to new sounds and trends, making him relevant to both older fans and younger audiences. “Ungazincishi” became an anthem for living life to the fullest.
9. “Home” feat. Mas Musiq
“Home” is a soulful track that reflects on the idea of finding peace and contentment after experiencing hardship and struggles. The song, featuring Amapiano producer Mas Musiq, is more introspective and showcases Riky Rick’s softer side. It’s a beautiful blend of rap and soulful melodies, with Riky delivering heartfelt lyrics about personal growth and the importance of finding a place of emotional “home.” The song resonated deeply with fans due to its sincerity and vulnerability.
10. “Boss Zonke” (Remix)
The remix of “Boss Zonke” deserves a mention for its ability to breathe new life into an already iconic song. Featuring top artists from across Africa, the remix allowed Riky Rick to expand his reach beyond South Africa and collaborate with international stars. The track’s global appeal and polished production made it a favorite among fans and further solidified “Boss Zonke” as one of the most important songs in Riky Rick’s catalog.
Honorable Mentions:
• “Buy It Out”: A high-energy banger that showcases Riky Rick’s ability to create infectious, club-ready tracks.
• “F*ck Everything” feat. Toss & Dee Koala: A raw, rebellious track that highlights Riky Rick’s ability to push boundaries with his music and themes.
Riky Rick’s influence on South African music cannot be overstated. His fearless approach to music, fashion, and life made him a legend in his own right. These top 10 songs reflect his artistic range, his ability to tap into the hearts of his listeners, and his legacy as a pioneer of the new wave of African music. Although his career was tragically cut short, Riky Rick’s music continues to inspire fans across the continent and beyond. His songs are a testament to his undeniable talent, creativity, and spirit.
